In The Median

Drive288 Summer Interns Spotlight

The Drive288 team has been pulsing with new energy and skills that four summer interns have brought from their diverse backgrounds and experiences. We would like to spotlight our valued team of interns and hear about their summer experience at Drive288. Read more below!

Reason why you got into this field?:I have always thought construction was fascinating; the way that people build these huge amazing structures always amazed me. I want to be involved in that process, be able to look at a project that I have completed, and think to myself “Wow, I had a role in building that!”

What did you like about your internship with the Drive288 project?:The part that I enjoyed the most was getting to be involved with the structures team. I have done earth work and paving operations before but I have never been around structures, such as columns, being built from the foundation up. It was a huge learning experience to see that in person and not just from a book in class.

What segment did you spend your time working on during your internship?I was assigned to the North Segment. However, I did get to see the whole project and spent time with the field engineers for each aspect of the project from the South Segment all the way to the roadway team.

What are your plans after graduation?When I graduate, I am going to try to find a job in the Austin, Texas area since my girlfriend already has an established career in the area. I feel like I will be able to find a good job there, since there is a large amount of construction going on in the Austin area.

Name: Samir Wahab

– “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” – Wayne Gretzky

Age: 20

Hometown: Houston, TX

Education: Spring 2019 – Texas A&M University (Civil Engineering)

Reason why you got into this field?: Civil Engineers are responsible for designing and creating the infrastructure that supports our way of life, which is why enjoy the work in this field. Civil Engineers innovate to directly serve the people.

What did you like about your internship with the Drive288 project?:My internship experience with the Drive288 project, and more specifically AGC, has taught me a great deal about the construction industry. At the same time, I have enjoyed getting to know the people I work with. I have enjoyed being part of such a critical roadway project that serves so many people, because it has given me insight into the development of cities.

What segment did you spend your time working on during your internship?I was assigned to the South Segment team, but I made an effort to experience and work with a variety of teams such as the roadway team, North Segment and even the safety team. By diversifying my exposure, I now have a well-rounded understanding of the different engineering process required to successfully build an infrastructure project, according to TXDOT requirements.

What are your plans after graduation?After undergrad, I plan to pursue a Masters Degree in Civil Engineering to further my capacity as an engineer and become closer to gaining my Professional Engineers License or PE.

Name: Adreanna Broussard– “Who Dat?! A-G-C!”

Age: 25

Hometown: Houston, TX

Education: December 2017 – The University of Texas at San Antonio (Civil Engineering)

Reason why you got into this field?:For as long as I can remember, I have enjoyed math and art. When I arrived at UTSA I knew I wanted to do Architecture. There was just something about the idea of designing a house, a building, or sky scraper that just really sparked my interest. Unfortunately, at the time, there was not a high-demand for architects. So, I switched my focus to Engineering. I chose to go the Civil-route, because I felt that it was the closest thing to architecture; in that, there is still that major influence in design and innovation.

What did you like about your internship with the Drive288 project?:One of the things I have absolutely loved about this internship is the independence and the respect that I have received here. The opportunity, and freedom, to have all the information I could ever need in my field of work…right here… at my finger-tips, had to be the most amazing part of this experience. I’m a nerd, I love to learn; and I’m actually pretty sociable. So, being surrounded by so many people that have worked in this industry for so many years… was a real treat as far as I’m concerned.

What segment did you spend your time working on during your internship?I spent majority of my time with the Safety department during my internship. But I did take it upon myself to go and tease the brains of the field engineers for tips, tools, and understandings of what they do on a day to day basis. So I guess you can say I had a pretty good mix between my Safety field-time and my Engineering field-time.

What are your plans after graduation?My immediate plans are to clean and get a lot of sleep. Ha-ha! But I definitely plan to get a job and start work as soon as I can. I am eager to get into the field and start to apply the things that I’ve learned in class. It’s one thing to see it in a book and read about it, but it’s another thing when you’re actually putting that study into application.

Reason why you got into this field?:As I was younger, I was always fascinated by buildings or man-made structures in general. Once in high school, my physics and math grades were not that great, which deterred me from joining the engineering program in college. Instead, I pursued the medical path. Two years into college, I realized I needed to at least give it a try. I got A’s in all of my math and physics classes and now I am just one year away from finally becoming an engineer.

What did you like about your internship with the Drive288 project?:I honestly really enjoyed the people and the work environment here. I expected the work environment to be very uptight, since this is a big project that demands constant attention. This was not the case at all. People did finish their work on time but it did not let it stress them or the other employees out.

What segment did you spend your time working on during your internship?I was assigned to Fabio’s team, who is in charge of the roadway. I had the pleasure to go out onto the field countless times with the field engineers.

What are your plans after graduation?My plan is to work for a better world. It is certainly a cliché term but the other reason I wanted to become an engineer is because a majority of the structures we build are for the community. For that purpose I feel like, in a way, I am giving back to my community.